SEAL training builds swim and dive team unity

The TCU swimming and diving team took to the sands of Coronado Island, off the coast of San Diego, Calif., to go through Navy SEAL training as a team-building experience last week.

Head coach of the TCU swimming and diving team Richard Sybesma said he thought the training would be a good team-builder for the swimmers and divers after visiting a naval base during a swim convention in May.

The main theme of the training was leadership and becoming a better team and teammate, TCU swimming and diving team member Ryker Saunders said.

“I think the tougher the activity is and the more we push through it together as a team, the closer we become,” sophomore chemistry major Saunders said.

The team carried logs, lifted tires, climbed across a rope, went in the water and crawled through sand, Sybesma said.

For Saunders, the toughest part was carrying the logs. The team split into groups and carried 300 to 400 pound logs over their shoulders, he said.

“It was one of the toughest things I’ve seen any team go through," Sybesma said.

It was surprising to see the Navy SEALs instructors give the co-ed members equally difficult physical tasks, Saunders said.

“They pushed us to the limit,” he said. “Absolutely.”

When the team left the training, they were better as a team and as individuals, Sybesma said. The training focused on leadership, as the team is only as strong as its weakest link.

“They could get on the block or diving board now and know that they’re tougher than the person next to them because of the experience they went through,” he said.

After going through training, officially becoming a Navy SEAL might be in Saunders future, he said.

“I love doing stuff like that: obstacle courses, drills, training,” he said. “I could definitely see myself joining the armed forces.”

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Special Forces: 10,000 expected to compete in Beaver Creek’s Tough Mudder

One of the obstacles being prepared for the Tough Mudder event in Beaver Creek this weekend. Credit: Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek announced that the resort is hosting what’s billed as the “toughest event on the planet,” called the Tough Mudder this weekend, Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26. The Beaver Creek Tough Mudder event features a nine-mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces complete with 26 challenges set across the lower portion of the mountain that test all around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie.

The expected 10,000 or so competitors will tackle 4,200 feet in elevation changes in two-and-a-half hours, with staggered start times throughout each day. Throughout the course they’ll encounter hills, snow, mud, water, ropes, fire and 10,000 volts of electricity set among obstacles with names such as Boa Constrictor, Kiss of Mud, the Gauntlet and Funky Monkey. 

“Hosting Tough Mudder at Beaver Creek provides the perfect opportunity to use the natural terrain offered on the mountain as a backdrop for an all-out blood, sweat and tears challenge combined with a village that pampers and rewards all who visit with its intimacy, friendliness, guest service and laid-back feel,” said Tim Baker, executive director, Beaver Creek Resort Company. “We’re excited to welcome the more than 10,000 participants who will give it their all and then relax and soak in the true spirit of camaraderie and summertime in the mountains.”  

The Buckaroo Express Gondola will be open June 25-26 from a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, providing complimentary rides and transporting spectators to prime event viewing at The Ranch. A variety of obstacles will be located in and around the area accessed by the gondola and spectators can refuel at the Chuckwagon, which will serve food and refreshments at The Ranch all weekend long.

A dedicated spectator shuttle also will be operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from the Covered Bridge in the Village to Red Tail Camp. Beaver Creek offers complimentary parking in the Elk, Bear and Wolf Lots and shuttles will run daily beginning at 7 a.m. from the parking lots to the Village. The Avon shuttle will have various pick up points in the town of Avon and then drop guests off in Beaver Creek Village both days.

The Centennial Express Lift (#6) also will operate as usual from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for some fun in between event viewing and Spruce Saddle Restaurant’s barbeque fare will be available from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A lift ticket or pass is still required to ride the Centennial Express Lift.

The event benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. Last year, Tough Mudder raised $650,000; this year’s goal is $1 million. For more information about Tough Mudder, click here.

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